On the evening of May 16, 2023 at 5:31pm I happened to glance out my window while on a phone call and noticed out of the corner of my eye that Jose (Mingo) and his helper Joel had arrived in my yard to do a project.

Jose had done many things for us from planting, digging a pit to install an inground trampoline, and general landscaping maintenance. As he worked on these projects our family got to know Jose and enjoyed talking to him when he arrived. My kids knew he made their dream of the trampoline happen and I was in awe of how he took any project that seemed overwhelming and tackled it with ease. I also started talking with him and got to know him little by little. I knew he was looking forward to leaving on Thursday, May 18th to go see his ailing mother in El Salvador and spend some much-needed time with her and other family there. He was so dedicated to the work he did though, that he insisted he wanted to get this last little project done before he left for the 2-week trip.

When I made that glance out that window I realized something was wrong. Jose was laying down on the mulch bed. I ran out the door down to him while dialing 911. Joel was shaking Jose and trying to wake him. I started CPR and prayed that the ambulances would come quickly, and they did. The crew of EMT's and Police first responders worked tirelessly for over 30 minutes to try to resuscitate Jose before transporting him to the hospital while still performing CPR. Despite all the efforts, Jose was gone.

Here is where I need your help, please!

Jose (Mingo) leaves behind a wife, twin daughters and a son, as well numerous close family members. It is a funny thing that in the wake of Jose's death I'm learning so much more about this man who so reliably took care of so many things for our family. I already knew how dedicated and hard-working he was. I also knew he was funny and gentle. The way he always had a smile on his face and joked around with my kids. I watched this man love on my two dogs that got so excited whenever he came, I knew he was a good man.

However, in the last 12-15 hours after his death, I am learning just how amazing this man was despite so much adversity in his life. The reason why Jose worked his full-time job and then additional jobs in the evenings and over weekends was because his family depended on him. One of Jose's twin daughters at the age of 16, had a catastrophic stroke. Jose and his wife have cared for her and provided a loving and healing home for her for the past 14 years. Jose worked tirelessly to ensure all of his daughter's ongoing medical needs were taken care of. He also worked to ensure his mother had the care she needed back in El Salvador.

I ask you to help take up where Jose has left off. Help ease the tremendous financial burden facing this family as they grieve the loss of this very special man, who put everyone before himself.

With everyone in this community working together and donating anything they can, we can help Jose continue to lift up his family and make sure their needs are provided for.